With his smooth voice and classic guitar riffs, John Pizzarelli had toes-a-tappin’ in Plymouth State University’s Silver Center for the Arts Friday, February 6. Pizarelli and his band crooned out classic jazz to an audience of over 350 faculty and friends inside the Hannaway Theater. Taking to the stage at 8:05 p.m., Pizzarelli and his three band members were ready to jazz up the evening.
Although the crowd was dressed casually, the band came on stage in a Frank Sinatra meets “Reservoir Dogs” style, wearing suits and ties. Placing the instruments close together created an intimate ambiance, the drums and piano were placed together to create a harmonious effect. Not straying too far away the bassist and guitarist complimented each other in the center of the stage.
Pizzarelli began by introducing his band, drummer Tony Todesco, pianist Larry Fuller and brother bassist Martin Pizzarelli. After introductions, Pizzarelli slid right into their first song, “Pick Yourself Up,” from the 1936 movie, “Swing Time.” A calm jazz composition, the track originally made famous by George and Ira Gershwin, had the audience ready for more as the song broke into a smooth guitar based instrumental.
Swiftly following the first song, Pizzarelli and his band played, “Rhode Island is Famous for You,” a quirky love song that meanders through the nation, narrating what each state is stereotypically known for. Sung with a croon, Pizzarelli made the older ladies in the audience swoon. Continuing with the Gershwin Brothers musical influence of the night, the band played “Lady Be Good.” Taken from the Broadway production of the same name, the catchy tune brought the elder members of the audience back to their younger days.
Though the band covered songs, there is justified talent to be had. Bassist Martin Pizzarelli played shyly, but sharply, in the back of the setup. Swaying back and forth with his double bass in hand, the audience seemed pleased with Pizzarelli’s skill. Solos by drummer Tony Todesco resulted in multiple outbursts of applause, while Larry Fuller had the crowd roaring after his piano solos. Although the band is relatively unknown in the popular top 40 spectrum, they brought the audience of PSU students and community members to their feet.
Pizarelli, who comes from a lineage consisting of several generations of guitarists, joked in between songs saying he would relentlessly be promoting their newest album, “With a Song in My Heart,” after the show because his daughter was turning 11 and she wanted a flat screen tv. “He is very humorous on stage,” stated Brian Weber, a senior at PSU. Webber also added, “He’s a great jazz guitarist with a very well put together ensemble.” Pizzarelli also hosts a radio show titled, “Radio Deluxe,” which can be heard online via Podcast as well as local radio stations throughout the country. If Pizzarelli sounds tasty log onto JohnPizzarelli.com.